The Biggest Worry For A Coach Is Keeping Mohammed Shami Fit : Lucknow Super Giants' Head Coach Justin Langer

Punjab Kings head into the TATA IPL 2026 mini-auction after releasing Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis to free overseas slots, while Lucknow Super Giants celebrate landing Mohammed Shami via trade. Speaking on the TATA IPL Retention Show, Punjab Kings' Head Coach Ricky Ponting, Lucknow Super Giants' Head Coach Justin Langer, JioStar experts Anil Kumble and Saba Karim assessed PBKS's strategic releases, LSG's Shami coup, and targeted auction needs.

Speaking on the TATA IPL Retention Show, Punjab Kings' Head Coach Ricky Ponting explained the team's overseas releases: "The biggest name we are releasing this year is Glenn Maxwell. I have worked with Glenn a long time. I love him and what he brings to the game. Unfortunately, last year we could not get the best out of him, and looking ahead we did not feel he would be in our starting team, so we decided to release him. Aaron Hardie is the other overseas all-rounder we are releasing. He never got a chance to play for us last year. It is hard to let such players go, but we need to open up overseas slots for the auction. Unfortunately, Aaron Hardie is a release. Josh Inglis is another one. He played some great knocks for us in the second half of the tournament. He missed a few games for different reasons and was also aware he would not be available for most of the tournament this year."

Speaking on the TATA IPL Retention Show, JioStar expert Anil Kumble assessed the Punjab Kings' squad after the releases: "Punjab Kings have all bases covered. They were the finalists last season, so that confidence has led them to keep most of their players. Their Indian players did exceptionally well last season, and they will hope that continues. Fast bowlers are always good to have as backup, so that is one area they could look at. They would have also identified a few talented uncapped Indians to consider. They will want to fill an overseas slot, as they have released three overseas players. They could look for a wicketkeeper-batter to fill Josh Inglis' position."

Speaking on the TATA IPL Retention Show, Lucknow Super Giants' Head Coach Justin Langer expressed his delight at acquiring Mohammed Shami: "Mohammed Shami is a real competitor and a warrior. There has been a lot of talk about him. As a past coach against him, you knew the team was always in the fight if Shami was playing. The biggest worry for a coach is keeping him fit. I would rather have more fast bowlers than less. When you talk about heartbreaks, there is no better person. He is probably one of the best team players and the best people I have met in cricket. His energy is unbelievable. I expected him to be picked in the next auction because he offers so much. Luckily, we got him in a trade deal, so I am really happy and look forward to working with him."

Speaking on the TATA IPL Retention Show, JioStar expert Saba Karim discussed the type of players Lucknow Super Giants are expected to pursue in the auction: "I think Justin Langer and LSG will target the Australian players in the auction. They need to be strong at the auction and target players like Cameron Green and Aaron Hardie. Both are handy all-rounders who can bat and bowl. Australians have a winning mentality, which LSG wants. In their bowling attack, they brought in Mohammed Shami. I think their bowling coach, Bharat Arun, believes Shami can still deliver. They needed someone to lead the attack, since the other fast bowlers, like Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan, are Indian. Bharat Arun feels Shami can guide these young bowlers.”